Arriving at National Harbor, a jolly green giant emerges from the Potomac River shore. Named “The Awakening,” this symbolic sculpture themes a mini-city conceived by Milton V. Peterson, 74, who purchased the 300-acre site at auction for $30 million. Anchored by the 2,000-room Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, the waterfront resort includes a Westin hotel, Aloft boutique hotel by Starwood, a Residence Inn by Marriott, Hilton Hampton Inn & Suites, and Wyndham Vacation Ownership hotel.Adding to the mix are 450 condominium units in three residential towers. Like most buildings at National Harbor, these were constructed for Peterson, who brought in more than 20 restaurant operators, shops like Fossil and Godiva, as well as brand-name clothiers. Another site has been reserved for the National Children’s Museum designed by famed architect Cesar Pelli, scheduled to open in 2013. And a 15-acre site has been sold to Walt Disney Parks & Resorts to be a family attraction.

 

National Harbor™ and Gaylord National®

ISPA20 will be held November 15-18 at National Harbor, a 300-acre waterfront destination south of Washington, D.C. The 1¼ mile panoramic stretch of the Potomac River in Maryland is anchored by The Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, right.

 

Walking American Way

Cutting through the heart of National Harbor, American Way links the marina with hotels, restaurants, shops, and parking garagesWaterfront Street is action central. Popular restaurants Rosa Mexicana and McCormick & Schmick face the docks and central plaza. Best for breakfast: Maryland coffee roaster Mayorga CaféMaryland history in mosaics themes the plaza. Commissioned by developer Peterson, sculpted by Albert Paley, two gigantic eagles soar over murals depicting Maryland by land and water.Fleet Street rocks. Near the Gaylord convention center, catch dueling pianos at Bobby McKey’s club, ride bucking broncos at Cadillac Ranch.

 

The Ultimate Waterfront Resort

The massive glass atrium of the Gaylord National Resort & Conference Center soars 18 stories above the Potomac. Signature restaurants: Pienza Italian Market buffet, breakfast through dinner on the garden level; prime dining, Old Hickory Steakhouse for dinner overlooking the river and chef Birk’s herb garden with tasting of artisanal cheeses (including Bella Vita goat cheese from Maryland), discussion of steak with a waiter named Marc who knows the difference between grass-fed or grain-fed beef and wine to match.Surprisingly accessible despite its size, the 2,000-room Gaylord hotel offers the largest spa and fitness center in the region. Connected to a vast indoor swimming pool, Relâche Spa and Salon extend the Gaylord National resort attractions for a weekend getaway or day trip.Weatherproof, the atrium gardens are ideal for strolling and shopping. Ablaze with lights and decorations from Nov. 18, the gardens feature ice sculptures of 10 holiday scenes plus indoor snowfall nightly.A tented production of Cirque du Soliel runs September 9 – October 3 on the plateau at eastern end of American Way. Titled “Ovo,” it’s a fantasy world of insects.Fall packages start at $122 per night. Military rates available. Reservations: 301/965-2000, 888/306-9810; www.gaylordnational.com

 

The re:mix

Designed for fashion-forward, budget sensitive staycations, the Aloft Hotel is steps from the marina. A trendy remix of social space, the lobby’s two-sided glass fireplace, outdoor patio, pool table, and grab ‘n-go pantry are like a 24/7 party. Centerpiece bar – w xyz - provides vodka-fueled sunset infusions.Aloft Washington National Harbor offers 190 loft-style rooms overlooking the central plaza, free access to fitness center, indoor pool, laundry, and Internet. My light-filled suite on the top floor (817) had commanding views of the river, two flat-screen TVs, king-size bed, walk-in shower and bath by Bliss® spa, plus lots of amenities. Published rates are $209 for a basic queen bed to $499 for corner suites with balcony. l Reservations: 301/749-9000; book online www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels.Aloft also houses the Ketchup grill: burgers, Kobe beef hot dogs, pasta, seafood, and flavored ketchup. Ideal for big or small appetites at lunch and dinner, noisy, the ambience is industrial design meets Gen Y lifestyles by California’s Dolce Group.

 

Potomac Pleasures

The waterfront promenade comes alive weekends: rent a sailboat or canoe; go for a speedboat run on the river; fishing excursion; visit Mount Vernon and Washington’s Georgetown Harbour. Bike, hike, or water taxi to Virginia: the Torpedo Factory Arts Center on the Alexandria waterfront has artist studios, workshops in urban archeology, and a WWII torpedo made here for the Navy.With the Capital upriver, National Harbor anchors a taste of America on the Maryland shore.

 

Getting to National Harbor

• Direct access via I-95/495 Exit 2A
• Direct access from I-295 Exit 1A, Route 210 and Oxon Hill Road
• The Woodrow Wilson Bridge (I-495) connects Maryland and Virginia, has mile-long footpath for hikers and bicyclers.
• Water Taxi from/to Washington’s Georgetown Harbour and Alexandria, Va. Operates weekends only in November:(www.potomacriverboatco.com; 703/684-0580).
• Dockage at National Harbor Marina for private boats can be hourly ($10) or daily ($2.25 per linear ft.) The LOA rate applies if you stay more than four hours. Slip reservation: 301-749-1582; www.nationalharbor.com.
• Metrorail Green Line to Southern Avenue terminus, Bus NH1 Schedule: 202-637-7000; www.metroopensdoors.com

Tags: national harbor, spa, Washington DC